High Resolution Seismic Reflection for Hydrogeology – What is the Value?

Abstract

With increasing demands on groundwater resources, concerns about the impacts of groundwater abstraction on groundwater dependent ecosystems and the new paradigm of large scale managed aquifer recharge, there comes a requirement for more robust definition for water resources. Seismic reflection surveying offers this higher level of definition for hydrogeological systems. Take up of seismic reflection by the groundwater industry has been slow but is certainly gathering momentum with several high resolution basin scale surveys now providing clear examples of the value of seismic reflection. Seismic reflection surveying is expensive, so the key to success is strategic location of lines and selection of suitable acquisition parameters with sufficient resolution to answer key questions regarding the targeted hydrogeological system. We present several examples from Western Australia aquifer systems, compare the acquisition parameters selected and then clearly identify hydrogeological value of the outcome for each setting.